TDP in a fix over giving ticket to former naxal

By Our Staff Reporter

NIZAMABAD, JULY 2. The district unit of the Telugu Desam Party is caught in a dilemma whether to give the `B' form to a former Special Guerrilla Squad commander of the banned PWG, Golla Janardhan, who has filed his nomination papers for Sirikonda Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC), on behalf of the ruling party.

Party leaders are not able to make up their mind on the issue after reports appeared in the media about the filing of nomination by the former naxal leader. The leaders are tightlipped and not ready to comment on the issue. They maintained that the local leaders had selected the names of the TDP cadres and sent it to the party high command for clearance.

The surprise nomination by the former naxal commander, according to reliable TDP sources, is backed by a former ruling party MLA from district. The name of the said former naxal was strongly recommended by the former legislator, taking many by surprise. Though, another person also filed his nomination for the Sirikonda ZPTC as the TDP candidate, he withdrew his papers today.

The TDP leaders are in a state of confusion because, the `B' forms were reportedly handed over to the constituency convener to be distributed to the party candidate. Under these circumstances, the party has to offer the `B' form to Golla Janardhan, as he is the only candidate left in the fray after another man withdrew from the field.

Golla Janardhan is said to be the Sirikonda mandal president of the Telugu Rythu and is actively involved in party activities eversince, he quit the underground movement a few months ago. Said to be a senior PWG cadre, Golla Janardhan had a number of violent incidents to his name, including the killing of a SI during the 1996 Lok Sabha elections and making attempt on the life of former Sirikonda MPP president and current Armoor MLA, Mr. Bajireddi Goverdhan. He was seriously injured in an exchange of fire some months ago and then came out and surrendered before the police.

If the TDP issues the `B' form to Golla Janardhan, then he is pitted against Gopi, the Congress candidate and close follower of Armoor MLA, Mr. Bajireddi Goverdhan. Incidentally, the MLA and the Congress candidate are on the hitlist of the PWG.

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Section  : Southern States
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